Brentwood police warn of fake gold bars scam

BRENTWOOD, Calif. -- Brentwood police are warning residents of two incidents in which people were tricked into buying fake gold bars for cash, police said.

The sales occurred in the parking lot of the Kohl's store at 5551 Lone Tree Way, according to police.

The sellers convinced their victims that they were down on their luck and urgently in need of money, and persuaded them to buy the bars before the victims realized they were not gold, police said.

In one of the incidents, the suspects threatened the victim with violence and forced them to purchase the fake gold, according to police.

The suspects were described as two Hispanic males, both in their 50s or 60s and "overweight." One had black hair and was wearing a black zip-up jacket and dark pants. The other had gray and black hair and was wearing a blue dress shirt and light gray pants.

Police urge residents to be skeptical of anyone who approaches them offering to sell items such as precious metals or consumer goods such as electronics. Residents should also be aware of their surroundings, keep valuables concealed, keep belongings close to their person and park in a well-lit area.

Anyone who encounters someone trying to sell them something in a shopping center parking lot should call police dispatch at (925) 778-2441 to report the incident.

Anyone with information on the sale of the fake gold bars is asked to call Detective Eric Huesman at (925) 809-5732.